Growing Herbs Indoors

Herbs can be grown indoors on suitable window-sills. When growing indoor
herbs be sure there is plenty of light. If you are using a south facing
window, be sure that the herbs get a little shaded during the middle of the
day in the summer when the sun is shining. On other window-sills be sure
you turn the pots for even lighting during the day.

Below are a list of herbs for beginners, the containers that are best to use
and a very brief tip on how to care for them. There are, of
course, many other herbs that can be grown indoors but this will get you
started.

Basil; Grow in Provence pots) Requires the sunniest position and tolerates
dry air. Prevent if from flowering to get long life from this herb.

Bay; Large pots or tubs; Prefers filtered sun and rich soil in a cool
place

Chervil; Grow in Troughs; Enjoys some sun but not the hot midday sun. Be
sure it has moist cool soil.

Chives; Pots; Keep well fed and watered. You can pot this up from
divisions from your garden.

Now that you have chosen which herbs you are going to grow indoors, here
are some tips!
The important think is knowing the temperature, watering feeding and
lighting to give proper caring.

Temperature;

Most herbs prefer a warm temperature about 60-70 degrees. Herbs will
tolerate the temperature range of 45-75 degrees, but they will not thrive
for long.

Watering;

Make sure all your containers can adequately drain. Be sure not
to over-water indoor herbs. Water in the mornings, so that the excess
moisture evaporates during the day. Air is very important for potted herbs
and over-watering can cause root-rot fungus to thrive. If necessary place a
small fan beside your indoor herbs.

Feeding;

Herbs need feeding with a weak fertilizer every two weeks in the
spring and summer, but in the winter you can reduce to a monthly feeding!
Use half the recommended dosage of fertilizer at all times .

Lighting;

There are special grow lights, however, I use the regular 'shop'
fluorescent lights. These will improve the growth of your indoor potted
herbs if you don't have good window placement and lighting. Be sure the
lights are about six to nine inches above smaller herb and twelve to sixteen
inches above the larger herbs.

About The Author

Karen Hegre

I feel very fortunate to have met Karen, and to be able to share her
wonderful
crafts and herbal inspiration with our visitors. She has a gentle soul
and contributes
not only her words but encouragement as well.

Karen is a Master Gardener specializing in herbs, a mom and grandma.
She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy
Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear
Karen read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers. They are open
to the public May through September.

Karen owns several discussion lists, which we have listed below with
the subscription
information. All are free to join and a joy to be a member
of!

Nature
Crafts: This is a list for those who enjoy crafting
with Nature and want to learn more!! We will share projects, learn ways
of preserving those natural items and much more. Click Here to
subscribe.

Keepers Of
the Gardens: This list is a 'learning &
sharing' list on how to create beautiful back yard habitats for birds,
butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife including bees,
dragonflies, frogs, toads & other friendly insects &
reptiles. Click Here
to subscribe.

Before the cool weather sets in, enjoy the bounty of your herb, flower and vegetable gardens by giving a Summer Harvest Tea Party. Plan your theme around the garden, invite friends and family. Don't make it a formal affair, but rather a way to celebrate everyone's gardens and share produce, flowers, seeds and advice.

Harvesting and Using Summer Squash

Summer squash is one of my favorite vegetables. I love the yellow summer squash in particular. They should be harvested while still tender, when they have a "glossy" appearance and are still small. You will most likely need to harvest daily once they start to appear.